What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic one?

gdec1

Well, the short answer is - no, there isn't. They're just different ways of naming orchestral organizations. So while Edmonton's orchestra is called the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and Calgary's is named the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the nomenclature doesn't point to any difference in the makeup of the orchestra, or the way they are governed, or their mandates in their respective communities. In some larger centres, where there may be several orchestras, you find both names being used - like the London Symphony and the London Philharmonic - or the Vienna Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic. And some orchestras don't use either, like the Philadelphia Orchestra or the Cleveland Orchestra. However both names do carry the connotation of a full, well proportioned orchestra that includes winds and strings, as opposed to a Wind Orchestra or a Chamber Orchestra. http://www.ckua.com/programs/musicwise/questions.html Jul 28 06, 5:07 PM

lanfranco

In this day and age, there isn't a difference beyond the name. Both words originally come from Greek. Take your pick. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestra Jul 28 06, 5:08 PM

zbeckabee

A full-size symphony orchestra includes strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Its repertoire for the main part is classical music. A full-size philharmonic orchestra includes strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Its repertoire for the main part is classical music. In other words, there isn't any difference. The words do come in handy, though, in cities with more than one symphony orchestra. And philharmonic means "lover of things musical." http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0715clay15.html Jul 28 06, 6:13 PM

Arpeggionist

There is a difference if one wants to nit-pick. A symphony orchestra is distinguished from a chamber orchestra in the number of players it employs on a regular basis. Full symphony orchestras will employ pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons plus their auxiliary instruments, four or more horns (usually four are enough), two or three trumpets, trombones, tuba, tympani plus several other percussion instruments, and a full allotment of strings. Chamber orchestras usually do things with just two horns, no auxiliary woodwinds, no percussion besides tympani, and only about two thirds of the full size of the string sections. A philharmonic orchestra usually is a full symphony orchestra, but can be a chamber ensemble. Jul 29 06, 11:36 AM